System for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity and a method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A system and method for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity includes a computer and a sports ball associated with a first participant identifier. The sports ball includes a sensor that detects and logs activity data. The activity data is received by the computer, and in further transmitted to a server. The server stores the received activity data in a participant record associated with the first participant identifier and assigns a plurality of credits to the participant record associated with the first participant identifier based on the activity data stored in the participant record. Software executing on the server generates a report based on the credits assigned to the participant record associated with the first participant identifier and transmits the report to a participant computer associated with the first participant identifier.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to collecting and distributing charitabledonations. In particular, the present invention relates to a system andmethod for tracking physical activity and assigning credits based on theamount of physical activity, the credits being redeemable for charitabledonations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soliciting, making, and receiving charitable donations are important,are becoming ever more important as government resources allocated tocharitable causes is decreases. At the same time, there is a growingneed for such support.

There are a many different system and methods that facilitate charitablegiving. For example, a person may donate a portion of their personalassets to a cause or charitable entity of their choosing. In anotherknown method, a person may solicit funds from third parties for aspecific charitable cause, for example building a new hospitable.Sometimes, such donors will pledge donations based on the completion ofa goal, for example running a marathon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in one aspect in a system forincentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity. The systemincludes a server having software executing thereon that receivesactivity data indicative of an amount of physical activity. The receivedactivity data has a first participant identifier associated therewith.The system is in communication with a database that comprises aplurality of participant records. Each participant record has aparticipant identifier associated therewith. Software executing on theserver stores the received activity data in the participant recordassociated with the first participant identifier. Software executing onthe server assigns a plurality of credits to the participant recordassociated with the first participant identifier based on the activitydata stored in the participant record associated with the firstparticipant identifier. Software executing on the server generates areport based on the credits assigned to the participant recordassociated with the first participant identifier. The server has acommunication link with the internet. Software executing on the servertransmits the report to a participant computer associated with the firstparticipant identifier via the communication link.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the activity data isindicative of a use of a sports ball associated with the firstparticipant identifier.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sports ballincludes a sensor that is configured to detect an acceleration of thesports ball, the acceleration being indicative of the use of the sportsball.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the activity datareceived by the server is indicative of a duration of the use of thesports ball.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the report generated bythe software executing on the server identifies the duration of the useof the sports ball associated with the first participant identifier andfurther identifies a number of credits earned for the duration of theuse of the sports ball.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, software executingon the server generates a charitable donation response form. The formidentifies at least one charitable donation option that is redeemablefor a predetermined number of credits. The server further includessoftware executing thereon for receiving a reply to the charitabledonation form.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the report generatedby the server includes a rank associated with the first participantidentifier. The rank is indicative of the duration of use with thesports ball associated with the first participant identifier relative tothe duration of use of sports balls associated with one or more otherparticipant identifiers.

The present invention resides in another aspect in a system forincentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity. The systemincludes a computer associated with a first participant identifier. Thecomputer has a communication link to the internet. The system furtherincludes a sports ball associated with the first participant identifier.The sports ball includes a sensor for detecting an acceleration of thesports ball. A processor is in communication with the sensor, andsoftware executing on the processor receives signals from the sensorindicative of the acceleration of the sports ball. Software executing onthe processor determines activity data based on the signals receivedfrom the sensor. The system includes a communication link between thesports ball and the computer. Software executing on the computerassociated with the first participant identifier transmits the firstparticipant activity data via the communication link with the internet.The system further includes a server having software executing thereon.Software executing on the server receives the activity data indicativeof an amount of physical activity. The received activity data has afirst participant identifier associated therewith. The system is incommunication with a database that comprises a plurality of participantrecords. Each participant record has a participant identifier associatedtherewith. Software executing on the server stores the received activitydata in the participant record associated with the first participantidentifier. Software executing on the server assigns a plurality ofcredits to the participant record associated with the first participantidentifier based on the activity data stored in the participant recordassociated with the first participant identifier. Software executing onthe server generates a report based on the credits assigned to theparticipant record associated with the first participant identifier. Theserver has a communication link with the internet. Software executing onthe server transmits the report to a participant computer associatedwith the first participant identifier via the communication link.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the activity data isindicative of a duration of the use of a sports ball associated with thefirst participant identifier.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sports ballincludes a sensor that is configured to detect an acceleration of thesports ball, the acceleration being indicative of use of the sportsball.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, software executingon the server generates a charitable donation response form. The formidentifies at least one charitable donation option that is redeemablefor a predetermined number of credits. The server further includessoftware executing thereon for receiving a reply to the charitabledonation form.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system includessoftware executing on the server for subtracting a number of creditscorresponding to the predetermined number of credits from the creditsassociated with the participant record associated with the firstparticipant identifier in response a selection of a donation option.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system includessoftware executing on the server for generating a donation redemptionform that includes a confirmation that the donation has been redeemed.

In yet one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor comprises apiezoelectric component that generates an electrical current in responseto an acceleration of the sports ball.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the ball includes ashell defining a spheroid, the shell defining a cavity. The shelldefines a first opening and a second opening substantially diametricallyopposite the first opening. A first panel is configured to substantiallyclose the first opening. The first panel has a sleeve that extendsradially inward from an inner surface of the first panel. A second panelis configured to substantially close the second opening. The secondpanel has a sleeve that extends radially inward from an inner surface ofthe second panel. The sensor and the processor are supported in a centerof the sphere by a distal end of the first sleeve and a distal end ofthe second sleeve.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the ball furtherincludes a foam ring disposed therein between the distal end of thefirst sleeve and the distal end of the second sleeve. The foam ring isconfigured to further support the sensor and the processor, and isfurther configured to increase the rigidity of the shell.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sports ballfurther includes an electric generator and a battery disposed therein. Arotor of the electric generator is mechanically coupled to the pendulumat a first axis of rotation of the pendulum. The electric generator iselectrically coupled to the battery. An acceleration of the ballrelative to a playing surface causes the pendulum to rotate about thefirst axis of rotation. The rotation of the pendulum rotates theelectric generator which generates electrical energy at least a portionof which is stored by the battery.

The invention and its particular features and advantages will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description considered withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system and method in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a system and method in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention in which a participant ispresented with one or more charitable donation options that areredeemable for assigned credits.

FIG. 3 illustrates a report in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a charitable donation response form in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a sports ball in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a schematic of a microprocessor, sensor, and transmitter inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the control logic for use with themicroprocessor shown in FIG. 5B in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a generation module inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of portion of a sports ball n accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the sports ball shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a view of the ball shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention for incentivizing charitable donations based onphysical activity. The system 10 includes a server 200 having softwareexecuting thereon. The server 200 is in communication with a network 130via a communication link. The network 130 may be, for example, theinternet, an intranet, or some other type of network. A participantcomputer 100 is in communication with the network 130 and cancommunicate with the server 200 via the network 130. Although oneparticipant computer 100 is explicitly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, itshould be understood that a plurality of participant computers 100communicate with the server 200 via the network 130. In this way, theserver 200 can access and store a plurality of participant records andfurther provide objective comparisons of the performance of eachparticipant thereby serving, in part, to incentivize charitable giving.

The server 200 may be any type of computer hardware that is configuredto execute software and communicate with participant computers 100 andother third parties 249 via the network 130. Although the term server isgenerally used throughout this disclosure, it is not intended to limitthe present invention to a specific type of computer. Moreover, itshould be understood that the server 200 may comprise a plurality ofcomputers that communicate via a network. In yet other embodiments, theserver 200 may comprise one or more cloud computers, including hardwareand software, which are maintained by a third party.

The server 200 is in communication with a participant record database220. The database 220 is configured to provide storage of information onphysical hardware by, for example, executing software on the server 200.The database 220 may take many forms and may be accessible in manydifferent manners. The database 220 allows the server 200 to storeinformation and to retrieve information upon execution of software. Theserver 200 may be in communication with one or more third parties 249,as is further described below via a network or through some otherchannel.

During operation of the system 10, the server 200 receives and storesinformation regarding a participant record. The system 10 is premised onthe concept of assigning credits to a participant based on an amount ofphysical activity that the participant performs. The credits can beredeemed through the system 10 for charitable donations. The participantuses a sports ball for a period of time. As will be disclosed in furtherdetail below, the sports ball tracks and stores data indicative of theduration of the use of the ball. This is referred to activity data. Theactivity data is transmitted to a participant computer, which in turn istransmitted to the server. Software executing on the server stores theactivity data and assigns a number of credits to the participant basedon the duration of physical activity.

In the embodiment disclosed in the FIGS., the server 200 hosts a websitethat is accessible by a plurality of participant computers 100 via theinternet 130. The plurality of participant computers 130 can communicatewith the server 200 by accessing the webpage hosted by the server 200via the internet 130. It should be understood that in some embodimentsof the present invention, the server 200 comprises a plurality ofcomputers. For example, the server 200 may comprise a first computer forhosting the website, a second computer for performing backend analysisof the participant records, and a third computer for managing storageand access to the data and for communicating with one or more thirdparties, such as a charitable organization. Although the presentinvention discloses using an interactive website to facilitate thetransfer of information between the server 200 and one or moreparticipant computers 100, the present invention is not limited in thisregard. For example, the server 200 and the one or more participantcomputers 100 may exchange information by electronic mail or by sometype of file transfer protocol.

A plurality of participants can access the system 10 via the one or moreparticipant computers 100. The participant computer 100, for example,may include a desktop computer, a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet, orany other processor based device that enables communication via theinternet. In some embodiments, the participant computer 100 includes aninterface, such as a touch screen, that allows the participant to enterinformation and instructions into the participant computer 100 andenables the display of information to the participant.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the system10 includes a sports ball 20. A sports ball 20 may be a ball having anysize and shape that may be used during a physical activity. For example,the sports ball 20 may include, but is not limited to, a soccer ball, abaseball, a football, a golf ball, and a basketball, among others. Theterms sports ball is not intended to limit the present invention. Aswill be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art andbeing familiar with this disclosure, the present invention may bepracticed with other types of equipment used to perform physicalactivity. For example, the present invention may be practiced using ajump rope, a throwing disc, and a tennis racket, for example.

The sports ball 20 includes a sensor 30 that detects an acceleration ofthe sports ball 20. The sports ball 20 also includes a processor 40 thatis in communication with the sensor 30 so that the processor 40 receivesdata from the sensor 30 indicative of an acceleration of the sports ball20. As shown in FIG. 5B, the sensor 30 and the processor 40 are referredto as sensor hardware 42.

As the participant uses the sports ball 20, the ball is subject to aseries of accelerations. For example, the ball 20 is kicked, the ball isstopped, and the ball is bounced. Software executing on the processor 40determines that the sports ball 20 is being used in response toreceiving such data and generates activity data 50 indicative of aperiod of the use of the sports ball. For example, if a participant usesa sports ball 20 for one hour, the activity data 50 will indicate thatthe ball 20 was used for one hour.

The processor 40 in the sports ball 20 is in communication with theparticipant computer 100. For example the sports ball 20 and theprocessor 40 may communicate by wireless or wired transmission such asBluetooth, wifi, or radio frequency modules. In this manner, theparticipant can use the participant computer 100 to receive activitydata 50 from the sports ball 20 and to further affect data stored in theball 20 and update software executing on the processor 40. Although theterm processor is used herein, the sports ball 20 may comprise amicrocontroller or other type of processor based computer havingsoftware executing thereon disposed therein.

The participant computer 100 includes software 110 executing thereon toreceive the activity data 50 from the sports ball 20. In one embodiment,the participant may open a software application associated with thesports ball 20 on the participant computer 100. This may include, but isnot limited to, an application executing on a smart phone. Theapplication may provide an indication that the sports ball 20 is incommunication with the participant computer 100 and is ready for anexchange of activity data 50. In another embodiment, the softwareexecuting the participant computer 100 may automatically receive theactivity data 50 from the sports ball 20. In other embodiments, thesoftware executing on the computer may prompt the participant toinitiate the transmittal of activity data 50 from the sports ball 20 tothe participant computer 100. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, software executing on the participant computer 100 stores theactivity data 50 in a database associated with the participant computer100. In one embodiment of the present invention, the participantcomputer 100 is a smart phone such as an iPhone or an Android phone.

Software 110 executing on the participant computer 100 transmitsactivity data 50 to the server 200 via the network 130. Softwareexecuting on the server 100 receives the activity data 50 associatedwith the participant and stores the activity data 50 in the database230. In the embodiment shown, a unique participant identifier isassigned to each participants with access to the server 200. Softwareexecuting on the server 200 uses the participant identifier todistinguish and delineate between different participants. The software210 executing on the server 200 stores the activity data 50 is thedatabase 220 in a participant record associated the participantidentifier. The participant record includes all information and dataassociated with a participant identifier. For example the record mayinclude personal information, charitable goals, past charitabledonations, and the duration of use of the sports ball 20. Although anembodiment disclosing a configuration of data stored by the server 200is disclosed, the present invention is not limited in this regard asother configurations may be used.

Software executing on server 200 assigns credits to each participantrecord based on the activity data 50 associated with that participantrecord. Software executing on the server 212 receives a participantrecord from the database 220. Software executing the server 214 assignsa number of credits to the participant record based on the activity data50. A person of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with thisdisclosure will understand that the formula for assigning the creditscan vary based on the configuration of the system. For example, onecredit will be assigned for each hour of use with the sports ball 20. Inother embodiments, different types of physical use can be incentivizedby awarding more credits for the same amount of use as compared to as adifferent type of sports ball. The assigned credits are stored andassociated with the participant identifier. In the embodiment shown, thesystem 10 is configured so a participant earns credits for performingphysical activity.

Software executing on the server 216 generates a report 230 based on theassigned credits and transmits that report 230 via the network 130 tothe participant computer 100. Software 120 executing on the participantcomputer 100 receives the report 230. In some embodiments, software 120executing the participant computer 100 displays the report 230. Inreference to FIG. 3, a report 230 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention is shown. In the embodiment shown, the report 230is a webpage that is displayed in a browser running on the participantcomputer 100. The report 230 shows the participant name and displaysinformation regarding the participant's use of the system 10.

The report 230 displays a number of accumulated credits 231. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the participant “Anthony Q” has earned 127credits as illustrated by the report 231. The report 230 also includes aleader board 237. The leader board 237 displays a leader in charitablegiving in a group. This ranking may be based on any number of factors,for example hours, credits, donation, etc., and the ranking may be amongall participants of the system 10 or may be among a sub group using thesystem 10. The report 230 further includes an avatar 233 chosen by theparticipant, an identification of the total hours of play 232, and adisplay of the hours spent on donating to different charitableorganizations 335. The report 230 further includes a progress bar 233that illustrates a participant's progress to a goal, and furtherillustrates a number of hours of play 234 required to reach a goal.Finally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the report identifies anumber of awards, also referred to as badges, earned by the participant.In some embodiments, the badges are assigned based on the duration ofthe physical use of the sports ball and the badges can be redeemed fordonations. Although a particular embodiment of a report 230 is shown inFIG. 3, the present invention is not limited in that regard. Forexample, a person of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with thisdisclosure will understand that the report may take many different formsand may display many different types of data.

The information displayed in the report 230 is stored in the participantrecord associated with a participant. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, participants may access software executing on the server 200by a browser, a cloud application, or by some other method. It someembodiments it is possible for a participant to view records of otherparticipants using the system 10, or at least portions thereof. Thissharing of information has been found to further incentivizeparticipation and fundraising.

The system 10 allows a participant to redeem earned credits forcharitable donations. For example, one or more third party entities orindividuals, for example a corporation seeking to allocate a portion ofmoney to a charitable causes, can sponsor charitable donations madethrough the system 10. In reference to FIG. 2, software executing on theserver receives donation information from one or more third parties 249.For example, a company may pledge $10,000 to be allocated to differentdonation goals and offered to participants of the system 10. Software240 executing on the server 200 stores the donation information in thedatabase 220. It should be understood that the present invention is notlimited to receiving donation pledges from third parties, and that otherfunding models may be employed.

The charitable donation options may be displayed to the participant sothat the participant can redeem credits. Software executing on theserver 242 retrieves donation information from the database 220.Software 244 executing on the server 200 generates a charitable donationresponse form 246 and transmits the form 246 to a participant computer100 via the network 130. Software 140 executing on the participantcomputer 100 receives and displays the charitable donation response form246.

In reference to FIG. 4, a charitable donation response form 246 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Theresponse form 246 identifies a number of available credits 215. The form246 also displays different charitable donation options. For example,the form 246 displays a schools and recreation donation option 214, awater and agriculture donation option 213, a livelihood and vocationoption 212, and a global health option 211.

Through the participant computer 100, the participant can select acharitable donation option presented on the form 246. Based on theselection, software 142 executing on the participant computer 100generates a reply 144 to the form 246 and transmits the reply 146 to theserver 200. Software executing on the server 200 receives the reply 144and updates the participant record accordingly. Software executing onthe server 200 may further generate one or more instructions, forexample to make the donation, and transmit that instruction to one ormore third parties 249.

In reference to FIG. 5B, sensor hardware 22 for use with the sports ball20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown.The sensor hardware 22 includes a sensor 30, a microcontroller 40, and atransmitter 42. The microcontroller 40 is a processor based computer,and may also be referred to herein as a processor. The sensor hardware22 also includes a battery (not shown in FIG. 5B). In the embodimentshown, the sensor 30 is a piezoelectric component. As the ball 20 isaccelerated, it vibrates the piezoelectric component, which generates anelectrical current therein. The change in the piezoelectric element isdetected by the microcontroller 40. Software executing on themicrocontroller 40 can determine whether the ball 20 is being used in aphysical activity based on the received signal. If that softwareexecuting on the microcontroller 40 determines that physical activity isoccurring, the microcontroller begins logging this use until it isstopped, thus determining activity data 50. The microcontroller 40stores the activity data so that it can be later transmitted to theparticipant computer 100.

In the embodiment shown, the microcontroller 40 is an Arduino FioMicrocontroller Board, although the present invention is not limited inthis regard. The sensor hardware 22 includes a wireless transceiver 42that is in communication with the microcontroller 40. The wirelesstransceiver 42 is used to transmit the activity data 50 to theparticipant computer 100. It should be understood, however, that thepresent invention is not limited in this regard, and that there are manydifferent ways in which the activity data can be transmitted between thesports ball 20 and the participant computer 100. For example, the sportsball 20 may include a removable drive, or the data may be transmitted bya hard wire connection. It should also be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to the sensor hardware 22 disclosed herein, forexample the piezoelectric component 30 and the microcontroller 40. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art and familiar with this disclosurewill understand that other types of hardware capable of detecting andlogging use of the sports ball 20 may be used with the presentinvention.

In reference to FIG. 6, the microcontroller 40 includes softwareexecuting thereon for determining whether changes in a signal receivedfrom the piezoelectric element is evidence of physical use and fordetermining when to start and stop logging based on intervals betweenreceived signals indicating physical use. The control logic 500 isillustrated in FIG. 6. This logic 500 facilitates tracking of physicalactivity because it enables the sensor hardware 22 to distinguishbetween periods of no acceleration during physical use of the ball andperiods of no acceleration when the sports ball is not be used at all.In this manner, the sensor hardware can accurately track use of theball. The sensitivity of the sensor hardware can be affected byadjusting the threshold value in the control logic. Although a specificlogic is illustrated herein, for example in FIG. 6, a person of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that the present invention is notlimited in this regard. In a different embodiment, the activity data 50can be used to extrapolate/estimate the amount of kinetic energygenerated by the ball, either represented in Watts or in minutes oflight.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an energy generationmodule is included in the sports ball 20 to generate electric energy forthe microprocessor 40 and the wireless transmitter 42 that are includedin the sports ball 20. Such an energy generation module is disclosedU.S. Patent Publication U.S.20130023365 and titled Energy Storing Deviceand Method of Using the Same. That disclosure is incorporated herein byreference. It should be understood, however, that the present inventionis not limited in this regard, as a battery or other source ofelectrical energy may be used to power the sensor hardware 22.

In reference to FIG. 7, an exploded view of a generation module 250 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention in shown. Thegeneration module 250 includes a housing 260, a pendulum 280, anelectric generator 290, a battery 296, and supporting hardware includingone or more brackets and fasteners as discussed in detail below. Thehousing 260 includes a first section 262 and a second section 264. Theelectric generator 290 is mounted on pedestal 270 extending from aninner surface 265 of the second section 264 of the housing 260. AU-shaped bracket 272 is mounted over the electric generator 290 and tothe pedestal 270 using a plurality of fasteners (not shown in the FIG.7) to secure the electric generator 290 to the pedestal 270. Theelectric generator 290 includes a rotor 292 extending from a surface 291of the electric generator 290.

The pendulum 280 rotates about a first axis of rotation A at orproximate to a proximal end 281 of the pendulum 280. The first axis ofrotation A of the pendulum 280 is perpendicular to a rod 288 of thependulum 280. The pendulum 280 includes a recess (not shown in thefigures) proximate to the proximal end 281 for receiving the rotor 292of the electric generator 290. The recess is configured so that when therotor 292 is received therein an axis of rotation of the rotor iscoaxial with the first axis of rotation A. The rotor 292 may be securedin the recess of the pendulum 280 by any known method, including by apress-fit, an adhesive, or by a mechanical fastener. The rotor 292 isinserted through an opening 275 in a faceplate 274 of the U-bracket 272and through a washer 276 before being inserted into the recess of thependulum 280. The faceplate 274 and the washer 276 serve to maintain thependulum 280 rotating about a single axis of rotation, the first axis ofrotation A, regardless of the axis(es) of rotation of the ball. Thefaceplate 274 further inhibits radial forces from being transferred fromthe pendulum 280 to the electric generator 290 along the rotor 292.

In reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, a ball 310 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention is shown. The ball 310 includes agenerally spherical shell 320 that defines a cavity. The ball 310includes a generation module 360 that harnesses kinetic energy of theball 310 to generate and store electrical energy. It should beunderstood that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the sensorhardware 22 is disposed in the generation module 360. The shell 320defines a first opening 324 for accessing the cavity and includes afirst panel 330 for substantially closing the first opening 324. Thefirst panel 330 includes a cylindrical sleeve 332 that extends radiallyinward from an inner surface 334 of the first panel 330. The shell 320defines a second opening 344 for accessing the cavity and includes asecond panel 350 for substantially closing the second opening 344. Inthe embodiment shown, the second opening 344 is substantially oppositethe first opening 324 in the shell 320. The second panel 350 includes acylindrical sleeve 352 that extends radially inward from an innersurface 354 of the second panel 350.

During assembly the generation module 360 and the sensor hardware 22 issecured in one or more of the first sleeve 332 and the second sleeve353. In some embodiments, the sensor hardware 22 is disposed in the caseof the generation module. The first panel 330 and the second panel 350are secured in the respective first opening 324 and second opening 344so that the first sleeve 332 and the second sleeve 352 are disposed inthe cavity. In some embodiments, the first sleeve 332 is adapted toreceive a distal portion 353 of the second sleeve 352 when the firstsleeve 332 and the second sleeve 352 are fully inserted into the shell320 thereby increasing the rigidity of the assembled ball 310. In yetother embodiments, a portion of the generation module 360 is received inthe first sleeve 332 and a portion of the generation module is receivedin the second sleeve 352 when the first sleeve and the second sleeve arefully inserted into the shell 320 thereby increasing the rigidity of theassembled ball 310. One of the first and the second panel 330, 350includes an opening for an outlet, however, the present invention is notlimited in this regarding as there may be more than one outlet or nooutlets.

In reference to FIG. 5A, another embodiment of a ball 20 in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The ball 20includes a first panel and a second panel 320, 330. The ball 20 furtherincludes a ring structure 325. The ring 325 is supported between thedistal ends of the two panel 320, 330 so that the sensor hardware 42 isdisposed substantially in the center of the ball 20. The ring 325further serves to provide additional support to the ball. In yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, the sensor hardware 22 is disposedin soft foam which in turn is disposed in the cavity a shell defining aspheroid. In this embodiment, the foam maintains the position of thesensor hardware 22 in the sports ball 20. It should be understood to aperson of ordinary skill in the art, that while certain specificconfigurations are disclosed relating to the configuration position ofthe sensor hardware relative to the ball, the present invention is notlimited in this regard and that different options may be used.

Although the present invention has been disclosed and described withreference to certain embodiments thereof, it should be noted that othervariations and modifications may be made, and it is intended that thefollowing claims cover the variations and modifications within the truescope of the invention.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A system for incentivizing charitable giving basedon physical activity by participants using sports equipment, comprising:a selected piece of sports equipment used by a first participant, theselected piece of sports equipment comprising a shell and a cavity, anddisposed within the cavity: a sensor for detecting an acceleration ofthe selected piece of sports equipment; a processor communicativelycoupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to (i)receive signals from the sensor and (ii) based at least on the signals,a timing of the signals received, and a predetermined rest threshold,determine activity data of the selected piece of sports equipment usedby the first participant, wherein the activity data distinguishes a lackof acceleration of the selected piece of sports equipment between whenthe selected piece of sports equipment is in physical use and when theselected piece of sports equipment is not in physical use by comparingthe timing of the signals received to the predetermined rest threshold;one or more computer processors; and a memory including instructionsexecutable by the one or more computer processors to: assign anidentifier to identify the first participant from other participants;receive the activity data of the first participant from the processor;and assign a plurality of credits to the identifier based at least inpart on the activity data, wherein a given credit of the plurality ofcredits corresponds to a predetermined monetary value that is applicableto a charity by the first participant.
 22. The system of claim 21,further comprising a database, wherein the memory includes instructionsexecutable by the one or more computer processors to store a participantrecord comprising the activity data for the first participant in thedatabase, wherein the participant record is associated with theidentifier of the first participant.
 23. The system of claim 22, whereinthe participant record comprises at least one of the first participant'spersonal information, charitable goals, past charitable donations, andthe duration of use of the selected piece of sports equipment.
 24. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein the memory includes instructions executableby the one or more computer processors to generate an activity report ofthe first participant based at least in part on the participant recordand transmit the activity report to a computer associated with theidentifier of the first participant.
 25. The system of claim 21, whereinthe plurality of credits is assigned to the identifier of the firstparticipant based at least in part on the type of physical use of theselected piece of sports equipment.
 26. The system of claim 25, whereinthe type of physical use of the selected piece of sports equipmentincludes at least one of kicking, stopping, and bouncing.
 27. The systemof claim 21, wherein the activity data corresponds to a duration of useof the selected piece of sports equipment.
 28. The system of claim 21,wherein the activity data corresponds to an amount of kinetic energygenerated by the selected piece of sports equipment.
 29. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the memory includes instructions executable by the oneor more computer processors to receive the activity data from theselected piece of sports equipment without user intervention.
 30. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the memory includes instructions executableby the one or more computer processors to rank a plurality ofparticipants including the first participant based at least in part onthe respective activity data of the plurality of participants.
 31. Asystem for incentivizing charitable giving based on physical activity byparticipants using sports equipment, comprising: a selected piece ofsports equipment used by a first participant, the selected piece ofsports equipment comprising a shell and a cavity, and disposed withinthe cavity: a sensor for detecting an acceleration of the selected pieceof sports equipment; a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor,wherein the processor is configured to receive signals from the sensorand based at least on the signals determine activity data of theselected piece of sports equipment; and a generation module electricallycoupled to the sensor and the processor, wherein the generation moduleis configured to generate electric power upon acceleration of theselected piece of sports equipment and provide the electric power to thesensor and the processor, wherein the activity data corresponds to anamount of kinetic energy or power generated by the selected piece ofsports equipment; one or more computer processors; and a memoryincluding instructions executable by the one or more computer processorsto: assign an identifier to identify the first participant from otherparticipants; receive the activity data of the first participant fromthe processor; and assign a plurality of credits to the identifier basedat least in part on the activity data, wherein a given credit of theplurality of credits corresponds to a predetermined monetary value thatis applicable to a charity by the first participant.
 32. The system ofclaim 31, further comprising a database, wherein the memory includesinstructions executable by the one or more computer processors to storea participant record comprising the activity data for the firstparticipant in the database, wherein the participant record isassociated with the identifier of the first participant.
 33. The systemof claim 32, wherein the participant record comprises at least one ofthe first participant's personal information, charitable goals, pastcharitable donations, kinetic energy or power generated by the selectedpiece of sports equipment, and the duration of use of the selected pieceof sports equipment.
 34. The system of claim 32, wherein the memoryincludes instructions executable by the one or more computer processorsto generate an activity report of the first participant based at leastin part on the participant record and transmit the activity report to acomputer associated with the identifier of the first participant. 35.The system of claim 31, wherein the plurality of credits is assigned tothe identifier of the first participant based at least in part on thetype of physical use of the selected piece of sports equipment.
 36. Thesystem of claim 35, wherein the type of physical use of the selectedpiece of sports equipment includes at least one of kicking, stopping,and bouncing.
 37. The system of claim 31, wherein the activity data isbased at least in part on a duration of use of the selected piece ofsports equipment.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the processor isconfigured to distinguish between a lack of acceleration of the selectedpiece of sports equipment while the selected piece of sports equipmentis in physical use and a lack of acceleration of the selected piece ofsports equipment when the selected piece of sports equipment is not inphysical use.
 39. The system of claim 31, wherein the memory includesinstructions executable by the one or more computer processors toreceive the activity data from the selected piece of sports equipmentwithout user intervention.
 40. The system of claim 31, wherein thememory includes instructions executable by the one or more computerprocessors to rank a plurality of participants including the firstparticipant based at least in part on the respective activity data ofthe plurality of participants.